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Staggered Concrete Form with Natural Wood Integration in Urban Housing

Author:
Chae Lin Kyoung
Staggered Concrete Form with Natural Wood Integration in Urban Housing
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With a staggered concrete facade and extensive use of natural wood elements, the design creates versatile urban housing that fosters community interaction while maximizing views and sunlight.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible unit configurations allow for easy adaptation to residents' needs.
02
Large, staggered windows enhance natural light and outdoor views.
03
Centrally located communal areas promote social interaction among residents.
04
The design integrates concrete for structural stability with warm wood finishes.
05
Strategically positioned to maximize connection with the adjacent park.

The Flexible Tower is a modern residential design located in Vancouver, aiming to provide adaptable housing options in an urban environment. Positioned next to a park, the design connects the living spaces with nature while making the most of the available views. Overall, the focus is on creating a modular living space that can accommodate a diverse community through flexible unit configurations.

Concept and Layout

The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing units to be added or removed based on residents' needs. Inside the tower, there are various types of units: one-person, couples without children, and families. This variety allows for accommodating a broad range of lifestyles common in urban areas. Open floor plans and large windows enhance natural light, promoting an airy and welcoming atmosphere.

Materiality

The choice of materials is important for both the structure and the overall feel of the spaces. Concrete serves as the main structural material, offering strength and stability. Inside, wood adds warmth and comfort, making each living space more inviting. Large glass windows provide clear views and fill the interiors with light, connecting residents to the outdoor environment. Painting on the exterior contributes to a unified appearance, helping the building fit well within its surroundings.

Community Engagement

The design supports social interaction through its communal areas. These shared spaces are strategically placed to be easily accessible, encouraging residents to come together. This layout promotes a sense of community, allowing for relationships to form among neighbors. The balance between private units and public areas is critical, offering places for both socializing and personal retreat.

Vertical Stacking

The vertical stacking of units creates visual diversity on the building's exterior while maintaining functional use of space. The staggered arrangement of the floors adds a pleasing dynamic to the overall silhouette without losing efficiency. Centrally located stairs and elevators enhance movement throughout the tower, ensuring that it remains easy to navigate. This thoughtful design not only addresses housing needs but also contributes positively to the urban landscape of Vancouver.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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